Hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method having a power source, a hydrogen generator and an accumulator for supplementing hydrogen gas to improve the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. The hydrogen generator uses electrodes that are helically wound about a separator to increase the hydrogen generation output.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application which claims priority benefit to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/652,205 filed on Jan. 5, 2010 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application 61/142,456 filed Jan. 5, 2009, the entirecontents of both prior applications are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The apparatus and method generally pertain to fuel supplementationsystems and more specifically to hydrogen fuel supplementation systems.

BACKGROUND

There is increased interest and momentum in the United States and abroadto find alternatives to fossil or hydrocarbon-based fuels to reduce thedependency on oil. This interest in past years has been particularlyacute in the field of internal combustion engines in passenger andcommercial vehicles.

Prior devices have been proposed, for example, hybrid vehicles whichcombine use of gasoline and electric motors to supplement or reduce theamount of gasoline that is used. Prior systems have further proposed useof supplementing hydrogen along with gasoline to reduce gasolineconsumption. These prior devices have suffered from many disadvantageswhich have limited the commercialization and acceptance in themarketplace.

There is a need to improve on prior alternative fuel or fuelsupplementation systems which efficiently reduces consumption oftraditional fuels, for example gasoline, and that is economical tomanufacture, use and maintain. It is a further advantage if the fuelsupplementation system is easy to integrate into existing internalcombustion engines in vehicles already on the road to take advantage ofan increase in fuel economy without having to make a large investment inacquiring a new vehicle having such advantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention and method is a hydrogen fuel supplementationsystem for use with internal combustion engines, for example, passengervehicles.

In one example of the invention, an on-board hydrogen generator usingon-board generated electric power decomposes distilled water with anelectrolyte through general electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas. Thehydrogen gas is routed through an accumulator and into the intakemanifold of the resident internal combustion engine in the vehicle.

In one example, the generator includes a dual fin separator inside thehydrogen generator which positions and separates four helically woundwire electrodes that selectively spiral through three sets of radiallyspaced openings in the separator producing three coaxially spaced coilsor electrodes.

In another example, an accumulator is used to fill, store and supplywater and electrolyte to the hydrogen generator and serves as a returnreservoir for hydrogen gas produced by the generator prior to reachingthe intake manifold. The accumulator further includes a baffle system todiminish movement of the stored fluid during dynamic motion of thevehicle.

In another example, a system controller is used which includes a timerrelay circuit to delay initiation of the supplementation device based onthe determined status of the vehicle, for example, on start up of a coldengine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one example of the hydrogen fuelsupplementation system;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the example shown in FIG. 1 withan alternate example of an accumulator mounted in the engine compartmentof a passenger vehicle;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an example of an accumulatorshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an example of an accumulatorbaffle;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an example of the interiorcomponents of a hydrogen generator shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the hydrogengenerator shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an perspective view of an alternate example of the accumulatorshown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an example of a method of operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of a hydrogen fuel supplementation device 10 and method ofoperation are shown in FIGS. 1-8. As shown in FIGS. 2-7, the hydrogendevice 10 is shown in an exemplary application for use in a passengerautomobile engine compartment to supplement the consumption of gasolinein a resident internal combustion engine (not shown) and increase fueleconomy. As explained in detail below, the device and method may be usedin other applications as known by those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of the device components,including optional components as described below, is generally shown.Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the device 10 includes an electricalpower source 20. In use of device 10 in a passenger automobile, thesource 20 is preferably in the form of an alternator or generator (notshown) which generates electricity for power supplied by the internalcombustion engine. It is contemplated that other sources of power may beused, for example, the vehicle battery, or other sources of power and/orenergy from the vehicle as known by those skilled in the art.

Device 10 further includes a manual on/off master switch 30 whichpreferably is positioned in the interior passenger compartment andactivated by the driver. Switch 30 may take other forms such as pushbuttons or other actuation devices known by those skilled in the art.Although preferred as a manually operated switch, it is contemplatedthat other master on/off actuation devices that are not manuallyoperated and rely on one or more signals from other vehicular systemsmay be used. In a preferred example, the device 10 will not be permittedto initiate operation or function if the internal combustion engine isnot running.

As shown in FIG. 1, wires or other conductors 34 are used to transferpower from the power source 20 through other devices and sensors asexplained in more detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, device 10 further preferably includes anaccumulator 40 positioned in the engine compartment of a vehicle and isin electronic communication with the power source 20 through conductors34 to terminals 54. In the example, accumulator 40 includes a housing 50shown as generally having a cylindrical shape with a lid 52 whichprovides for an air-tight seal with housing 50. Housing 50 and lid 52define an interior cavity 58. Accumulator 40 further includes a fillport 56 leading to cavity 58 and includes a closure cap (not shown) toprovide a liquid and air-tight seal with lid 52. Cavity 58 is at leastpartially filed with a fluid 78, for example distilled water with anelectrolyte as further described below. Accumulator housing 50 and lid52 are preferably made from high temperature polymeric materials, butmay be made from stainless steel, ferrous or other non-ferrous metals orother materials known by those skilled in the art. Accumulator 40 ispreferably four to eight inches in diameter and six to twelve inches inheight. Other sizes and materials known by those skilled in the art tosuit the particular application may be used.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, accumulator 40 further includes afluid outlet port 60 (two shown) integral with housing 50. Fluid outletports 60 are reinforced with internal ribs providing a robust connectionfor a fluid fill tube 64 (two shown) which are further described below.Accumulator 40 further includes a return port 88 (two shown) similarlyconstructed as fluid outlet ports 60. Return tubes 90 are connected toports 88 by use of hose clamps (not shown) or other tube securingfasteners or methods known by those skilled in the art. Alternatepositions of fill tubes 64 and return tubes 90 are shown in FIG. 1.Other positions not illustrated may be used.

Accumulator 40 further includes a gas outlet connector 68 positioned ator near the top of lid 52. Connector 68 is in fluid communication withinternal cavity 58. Connector 68 is secured to lid 52 through fasteners69 forming a liquid and air-tight seal with lid 52. Connector 68 ispreferably cast from brass although other materials may be used.Accumulator 40 further includes a connecting strap 94 to securely mountaccumulator 40 to, for example, the sheet metal on the inside of anengine compartment.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one example, accumulator 40 includes a baffle 70positioned inside cavity 58 for suppression of the dynamic movement offluid positioned inside accumulator 40 as further described below. Inone example of baffle 70, baffle 70 includes four sidewalls 74 extendingvertically upward and connected at a central axis 76 as generally shown.Baffle 70 further includes one or more apertures 80 positioned in eachside wall 74. Baffle 70 further includes notches 84 or other reliefs orcut-outs which are positioned to decrease or suppress the free flow offluid inside cavity 58 as desired to suit the particular application.Other apertures or reliefs may be used as known by those skilled in theart. Baffle 70 is preferably connected to housing 50 through fasteners(not shown). Other methods of securing baffle 70 to housing 50, forexample, being integrally molded into housing 50, using adhesive,ultrasonic welding, or other methods known by those skilled in the art.Baffle 70 is preferably made from the same material as housing 50although other materials may be used. It is understood that baffle 70may further take different forms from that shown to suit the particularapplication.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, hydrogen device 10 further includes agenerator 100 (two shown in FIG. 1) connected in electricalcommunication with power source 20 through conductors 34 and 230 and influid communication with accumulator 40 through fill tubes 64. Eachgenerator 100 includes a housing 110 and a lid 114 defining an interiorcavity 120. Generator lid 114 further includes conductive terminals 126(four shown) extending vertically through the upper surface of the lidfor electronic receipt of conductors 230 as generally shown. Conductors230 are secured to terminals 126 by hex-head nuts threadingly engagedwith terminals as generally shown. Housing 110 and lid 114 arepreferably made from the same materials as the accumulator 40 althoughother materials known by those skilled in the art may be used. Generator100 is preferably about six inches in diameter and approximately 10inches in height so as to be packaged in the interior engine compartmentwith the resident engine. The generators 100 may be positioned in otherareas of a passenger or commercial vehicle, for example, in the trunk orother storage area.

As shown in FIG. 1, accumulator 40 return ports 88 are preferablypositioned in the engine compartment at a height greater than the top ofthe generators as further described below. Similarly, the accumulatorfluid outlet ports 60 are preferably positioned at a height higher thanthe generator fluid intake ports as illustrated and described furtherbelow. As shown in FIG. 2, the accumulator may be positioned partiallybelow the generators to suit the application and packaging area fordevice 10. In one example, a pump (not shown) may be used to force fluid78 upward against gravity in the case where the accumulator ispositioned partially below the generators.

Generators 100 further each include a fluid intake port 130 (one shownfor each generator) for connection of fill tube 64 from accumulator 40.Intake port 130 is similarly constructed as outlet ports 60 on theaccumulator. Generators 100 further include a outlet port 136 for thetransfer of enriched fluid 256 discussed further below for return toaccumulator 40 through return tube 90 (two shown). A return connector140 in fluid communication with cavity 120 is sealingly attached to lid114. In a preferred example, connector 140 is made from brass althoughother materials may be used. A drain 144 in fluid communication withinterior cavity 120 is positioned on the bottom of housing 110. A cap(not shown) is used to close and seal drain 144.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, generator 100 includes a separator 150positioned in interior cavity 120 in each generator 100. In one example,separator 150 includes four angularly spaced substantially planar fins156 having a top portion 158 and a bottom portion 160. Fins 156 areconnected together at an axis 164 as generally shown. In a preferredexample, fins 156 are all integrally molded together. As shown, theconnected fins 156 form a v-shaped notch 166 at the top and bottom ofthe separator. These v-notches 166 facilitate the accumulation, freeflow and transfer of hydrogen gas toward the top of the generator. Eachfin 156 includes a peripheral edge 170 radially extending outward fromaxis 164.

Separator 150 further includes a series of through apertures 180. In oneexample shown in FIG. 5, apertures 180 consist of three sets or seriesof radially spaced apertures through each fin including a first 186,second 190 and third 196 apertures of decreasing radial distance fromaxis 164. The first 186, second 190 and third 196 apertures furtherrepeat and extend longitudinally along axis 164 spanning from the top158 toward the bottom 160 as generally shown. In a preferred example,all first 186, second 190 and third 196 apertures have the samerespective radial distance from axis 164 and have respective equalplacement longitudinally along axis 164 as generally shown. It iscontemplated that the respective apertures may vary in radial andlongitudinal position to suit the particular application and powerconsiderations without deviating from the present invention. Separator150 is preferably made from non-conductive polymeric materials, forexample lexan, acrylic or other high temperature polymers. Othernon-conductive materials known by those skilled in the art may be used.

As best seen in FIG. 6, in a preferred example, each aperture 186, 190and 196 includes a bushing 200 positioned around the interiorcircumference of each aperture. Bushing 200 is preferably made from highgrade stainless steel but may be made from other materials known bythose skilled in the art. Bushings 200 are preferably press fit into theapertures and are engaged through a frictional fit. Other methods ofsecuring the bushings, including adhesive or other mechanicalattachments, may be used.

In the example shown, separator 150 further includes connector rings 206near the top and bottom of the fins 156 for increased structuralstability of separator 150. Connector rings 206 may be made from thesame materials as fins 156 and may be attached through adhesive or othermechanical fastening techniques known by those skilled in the art.

In one example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, generator 100 further includesfour electrodes or conductors. The ends of first electrode or conductor210 and a second electrode 218 are positioned diametrically opposite oneanother across axis 164. As best seen in FIG. 5, at the bottom row ofapertures 180, a first end is secured to a stop 216 which is larger indiameter than an inner diameter of bushing 200 (only the stop for firstelectrode 210 shown) preventing pull through of the end of theelectrode. The first 210 and second 218 electrodes are then helicallywound through only the first set of radial apertures 186 alternatingevery other aperture along axis 164 toward the top 158 of the separator150. Each respective exposed end of the first 210 and second 218electrode extending upward through the top of generator lid 114 isconnected to oppositely charged positive and/or negative terminals 126as generally shown. For example, first electrode 210 is connected to apositive terminal and second electrode 218 is connected to a negativeterminal.

In the illustrated example in FIGS. 5 and 6, generator 100 furtherincludes a third electrode 220 and a fourth electrode 228 the respectiveends of which exiting separator 150 diametrically opposite similar tothe first and second electrodes. In the example shown, each of third 220and fourth 228 electrodes start at the third set of radial apertures 196with a stop 222 as best seen if FIG. 6 (only stop 222 for thirdelectrode 220 shown). In similar fashion to the first and secondelectrodes, only starting at the top of separator 150, third 220 andfourth 228 electrodes are helically wound in alternating fashion downthrough the third set of apertures 196 along axis 164 until the bottommost set of apertures are reached and then are wound upward along axis164 back toward the top through the second set of radial apertures 190as shown. Similarly, the respective ends of third 220 and fourth 228electrodes connect to oppositely charged terminals. Alternateconfigurations and positions of the respective electrodes known by thoseskilled in the art may be used without deviating from the presentinvention.

It has been discovered that due to the spacing of first 186, second 190and third 196 apertures, the length of the first 210 and second 218electrodes is approximately the same length as the lengths of the third220 and fourth 228 electrodes, in one example, each about seven (7) feetin total length. Other lengths and numbers of electrodes can be used tosuit the particular application and required output as known by thoseskilled in the art. For example, as an alternative to four terminals 126(two positive and two negative) as illustrated, two terminals may beused and both the positive and negative electrodes are commonlyconnected through the respective positive and negative terminals.

In a preferred example, each of the first 210, second 218, third 220 andfourth 228 electrodes are made from multi-strand high grade stainlesssteel cable. A preferred outer diameter 212 is approximately one-eighth(⅛) inch. Other conductive materials, diameters and configurations maybe used as known by those skilled in the art.

Using the above construction of separator 150 and alternatinglypositioned and charged first 210 and second 218 electrodes and thealternatingly positioned and charged third 220 and fourth 228 electrodesshown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it has been found that decomposition of fluid78, further discussed below, and the resulting generation of hydrogengas, is significantly increased over that of prior designs including,for example, traditional straight metal rod electrodes and plates. Thisis believed to be due, in part, to the present design's lower operatingtemperature of the fluid 78. The efficiency of the electrolysis processis reduced as the temperature of the fluid 78 approaches the boilingpoint.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the generators 100 terminals 126 areconnected to electrical conductors 230 to a relay 240 which is connectedby conductors 34 to the power source 20 and a fuse panel or block 246.In one example, relay 240 is an 80 amp continuous duty relay. A suitablerelay is manufactured by Cole Hersey Marine. Other relays or equipmentmay be used to suit that particular application and required performanceas known by those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, generators 100 are in fluid communicationwith accumulator 40 through return tubes 90 as generally shown. Asdescribed, accumulator 40 includes a gas outlet connector 68 that issealing connected to a gas transfer tube 266 which, in one example,leads to the air intake manifold connector 280 of an internal combustionengine (not shown). In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a moistureseparator 270 and a flame arrestor 276 is positioned along tube 266between the accumulator 40 and manifold connector 280.

As further shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred example, device 10 isconnected in electronic communication with a manifold absolute pressuresensor (MAP) 286 that is typically included with the resident internalcombustion engine for monitoring the pressure inside the air intakemanifold of the engine. The MAP sensor 286 allows monitoring of theamount of pressure, or vacuum, to assist in the regulation of fuel toair mixture that is entering the engine. The MAP sensor 286 is typicallyin electronic communication with an electronic fuel injection controller290 which further assists in supply of the appropriate amount of fuel tothe engine. These sensors and controllers, when placed in electroniccommunication with device 10, allow device 10, and the ultimate user tomonitor and control the amount of supplemental hydrogen fuel that issupplied to the engine.

In a preferred example, device 10 includes a timer relay circuit 296 inelectronic communication with an electronic fuel injector enhancer(EFIE) or controller 290 and MAP sensor 286 and device 10 systemcontroller 300. Timer relay circuit 296 is used to selectively delayinitiation of the device 10 production of supplemental hydrogen to theengine for a desired amount of time. It has been found that device 10operates more effectively and efficiently when the vehicle engine is“warm,” in other words, has been running for at least a short period oftime. It has been found that a suitable delay of approximately eight (8)minutes from a cold start is preferred to initiate the generation ofsupplemental hydrogen. It is understood that the delay time may bepreset or may be adjustable by the user, for example from about two (2)to twenty (20) minutes, to suit the particular engine or operatingconditions

As shown in FIG. 1, in one example, device 10 may further include anengine idle shut off-switch 308 in electronic communication with enginethrottle control 310 as generally illustrated. Idle shut-off switch 308may be used to suspend operation of generators 100 and/or supply ofpower thereto during times when the engine is at idle or remains at idlefor a preprogrammed period of time through controller 300. This servesto reduce the power supply and consumption of power to generators 100during selected periods to reduce the load on the engine's electricalsystem and thereby conserving consumption of gasoline thereby furtherincreasing fuel economy.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in one example, device 10 may further includea high temperature sensor 320 positioned in thermal communication withaccumulator 40 and in electronic communication with controller 300. Inone example, if an undesired elevated temperature of accumulator 40 isreached, for example, a temperature exceeding 180 degrees Fahrenheit,sensor 320 would send a signal to controller 300 and operation ofgenerators 100 and/or device 10 as a whole would be suspended or shutdown.

As shown in FIG. 1, device 10 may further include an impact sensor 330placed in electronic communication with conductor 34 leading to therelay 240, or optionally controller 300, to terminate operation ofdevice 10 on a significant vehicular impact or acceleration due to avehicular crash or other extraordinary event. Impact sensor can be inthe form of an accelerometer or other sensor device known by thoseskilled in the art. It is understood that other sensors, switches andcontrols for operation and/or increased safety may be used withoutdeviating from the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, device 10 may further include a user display paneland/or user interface 350 in electronic communication with controller300 and/or directly to other monitoring devices in device 10 forexample, timer relay circuit 296 and/or temperature sensor 320. Userdisplay panel 350 can include indicator lights 360 or other visualindicators, for example, dials, gages, liquid crystal display panel andother indicators known by those skilled in the art. User interface 350is preferably positioned in the passenger compartment or other areavisually accessible by an operator.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, in an example of operation, device 10 isinstalled either as original equipment in a vehicle or other device inneed of a supplemental hydrogen fuel supply or to an already constructedor resident vehicle as an aftermarket kit or assembly. Device 10's sizeand components lend itself for particularly useful application toexisting passenger vehicles and can be installed by professionalinstallers or potentially skilled end users.

In step 400, generators 100 are at least partially filled with fluid 78through fill port 56 in accumulator 40. In one example, fluid 78 isdemineralized water. In another example, fluid 78 includes anelectrolyte of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or other suitableionic compound. In a preferred example, sufficient fluid 78 is providedto almost or completely fill each generator 100 and partially fillaccumulator to a level above return ports 88 as generally shown inFIG. 1. It has been determined that on normal usage, draining andreplacement of fluid 78 in device 10 can be made approximately once amonth.

In step 410, on a user manually activating device 10 throughmanipulation of master on/off switch 30, power provided from theelectrical system of the vehicle, in one example the vehicle alternator(not shown), power is supplied through conductors 34 and 230 to theaccumulator 40 and generators 100. In one example, controller 300 wouldinitiate a system check of all sensors, for example, high temperaturesensor 320, idle shut off switch 308 and impact sensor 330, prior toallowing power to be supplied through the conductors.

In one example step 420, although device 10 has been started and candraw power, timer relay circuit 296 starts an internal clock andinterrupts power being transferred to the accumulator 40 and generators100. In one example, timer relay circuit 296 interrupts the power supplyfor approximately 7 to 8 minutes, or other selected time period, whilethe engine normally runs and reaches a normal operating temperature.

In one example at step 425, if the engine is idle, or at otherconditions known by those skilled in the art, temporary suspension ofthe operation of device 10 may occur through, for example, stopping theflow of power from the power source 20 to generators 100 by idle shutoff switch 308. This reduces the power consumption by the device 10 whenthe engine demand is low. The temporary suspension ceases when theengine throttle 310 advances.

In step 430 the power supplied to the generators flows through theterminals 126 and is conducted by the first 210, second 218, third 220and fourth 228 electrodes. This creates a magnetic field betweenoppositely charged electrodes, for example the first electrode 210(typically serving as the positively charged cathode) and the secondelectrode 218 (typically serving as the negatively charged anode). Asimilar condition exists between the third 220 and fourth 228electrodes. This field sends an electrical current through the fluidwhich decomposes the water molecules in the fluid by the processgenerally known as electrolysis producing gaseous hydrogen and oxygeninside generators 100. Each generator 100 is thereby converted into anelectrolytic cell.

In step 440, the generated hydrogen and oxygen gas bubble to the top ofhousing 110 producing an enriched fluid 256 which passes throughconnector 140 and return tubes 90 back to accumulator 40. In oneexample, the accumulator 40 is positioned vertically above generators100 so that fluid 78 flows by gravity to keep generators 100 filed withfluid 78. The generated hydrogen and oxygen gasses naturally flow backtoward accumulator 40. In an alternate example, a pump (not shown) maybe used to force the flow of fluid 78 and/or enriched fluid 256 to andfrom the accumulator and generator as needed.

In step 450, the generated hydrogen gas bubbles to the surface of fluid78 stored in accumulator 40 and passes toward lid 52 and outletconnector 68.

In step 470, on demand from the load from the engine or other devicebeing supplemented, the hydrogen gas is either naturally drawn, or maybe forcibly transferred through transfer tube 266 toward intake manifoldconnector 280 or the throttle plate (not shown) for use by the engine.

In one example, in step 460, controller 300 controls the amount ofhydrogen gas that is allowed to pass to the manifold connector 280 tosupplement the gasoline simultaneously being provided the residentengine fuel supply. In one example, the amount of hydrogen gas suppliedto the engine is approximately 40 percent of the total fuel beingprovided to the engine. It is understood that this percentage can rangefrom 100 percent hydrogen supply to the engine or zero percent based onthe conditions of the engine and desired fuel economy.

In one example, prior to supplying the hydrogen gas to the intakeconnector, a moisture removal step 465 may be employed as generallyshown.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalentstructures as is permitted under the law.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hydrogen generation device for use insupplementing hydrogen fuel to an internal combustion engine, the devicecomprising: a hydrogen generator, the generator having a housingdefining an internal cavity housing a liquid, a separator having alongitudinal axis positioned in the generator internal cavity anddefining a plurality of apertures radially and longitudinally spacedabout the longitudinal axis, the generator having at least one of afirst and a second electrode helically wound about the separatorlongitudinal axis and respectively positioned to pass through respectiveof the plurality of separator apertures, the first and the secondelectrode in communication with the liquid, wherein on supply ofelectrical power to the first and the second electrodes, hydrogen gas isproduced and temporarily housed inside the generator housing internalcavity, the separator plurality of apertures allowing for the flow offluid throughout the internal cavity and between the first and thesecond electrode.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and thesecond electrodes are helically wound about the separator longitudinalaxis.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the separator comprises at leasttwo intersecting fins angularly spaced from one another for supportingand separating the first and the second electrodes from contact witheach other.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the at least twointersecting fins comprise four fins angularly spaced from one anotherand intersecting along the separator longitudinal axis.
 5. The device ofclaim 4 wherein each fin defines a plurality of radially andlongitudinally spaced apertures.
 6. The device of claim 1 furthercomprising a separate liquid storage reservoir in fluid communicationwith the generator to supply the liquid to the generator.
 7. The deviceof claim 6 further comprising a baffle positioned in the reservoir andin communication with the liquid.
 8. The device of claim 6 wherein theseparate liquid storage reservoir defines an internal cavity portion fortemporarily housing the hydrogen gas produced by the generator forming ahydrogen gas accumulator.
 9. The device of claim 1 further comprising athird and a fourth electrode positioned in the internal cavity, thethird and the fourth electrodes separately and alternatingly helicallywould about the longitudinal axis and respectively positioned to passthrough respective of the plurality of separator apertures.
 10. Thedevice of claim 1 further comprising a power source in electricalcommunication with the first and the second electrode to supply theelectrical power to the first and the second electrodes.
 11. Anapparatus for supplementing hydrogen gas fuel for use in an internalcombustion engine, the apparatus comprising: means for generating asource of electrical power; means for connecting at least a first and asecond electrode to a separator positioned within a generator housing;means for at least partially filling a generator housing with a liquidin communication with the first and the second electrodes; means forconducting the electrical power through the least two electrodesdecomposing the liquid to produce hydrogen gas; and means fortransferring the generated hydrogen gas to an accumulator positionedbetween the generator and the internal combustion engine for temporaryhousing of the generated hydrogen gas.